Short answer: it depends on the class you’re comparing within. The HD3 ranks #16 of 23 in the small powered bookshelf class at $359; the R1700BT ranks #56 of 64 in the larger bookshelf-medium class at $219.99, $139.01 less.
Neither speaker has a single listed pro, which puts the weight on the cons. The HD3’s are a small woofer without much deep bass, slightly boosted treble, and a high price for what it offers. The R1700BT’s are a more V-shaped tuning that isn’t quite as neutral as its own cheaper sibling, the Edifier MR4.
The HD3 at least holds a respectable position in a small field, where the R1700BT sits near the bottom of a considerably larger one.
Buy the HD3 for the stronger relative ranking if the higher price is acceptable. Buy the R1700BT to save $139.01, understanding it ranks weaker within its own larger class.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Edifier R1700BT. It ranks near the bottom of the 64 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine HD3 | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.00 | $219.99 |
| Ranked | #16 of 23 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #56 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9"H x 5.5"W x 6.5"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) | 10"H x 6.1"W x 8.4"D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Outputs | RCA Output | None |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg |
| Drivers | 2.75" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes, 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| EQ | No | No |
| Max SPL | 90dB @ 1m | - |
| Output Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 9, 2026 at 6:54 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Audioengine HD3: $359.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: A compact desktop stereo option when cabinet size is a priority.
Cons: Limited bass makes a subwoofer useful for fuller music reproduction. Its compact format is better suited to close listening than filling a large room.
Full Audioengine HD3 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 9"H x 5.5"W x 6.5"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 2.75" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Max SPL | 90dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) |
| Outputs | RCA Output |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Audioengine HD3 vs Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen
- Audioengine HD3 vs Edifier MR3
- Audioengine HD3 vs Edifier M60
- Audioengine HD3 vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- Audioengine HD3 vs Adam Audio D3v
- Audioengine HD3 vs Genelec 8010A
- Audioengine HD3 vs Audioengine HD4
- Audioengine HD3 vs Kali LP-UNF
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Edifier R1700BT: $219.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A compact powered pair with analog and Bluetooth connectivity for uncomplicated desktop listening. Its self-contained design avoids the need for a separate amplifier.
Cons: Listening impressions suggest a bass-and-treble-forward balance rather than strict neutrality. Its analog and Bluetooth connections are less convenient for sources that require optical or HDMI input.
Full Edifier R1700BT review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 6.1"W x 8.4"D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Output Power | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Audioengine HD3 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier R1700BT Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier R1280DBs vs Edifier R1700BTs Sound Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier R1700BT vs Edifier R2000DB Sound Demo
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier D12 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO
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